10 Unlikely Origins Of Wrestling Finishers
Randy Orton's RKO was named after his initials. So maybe it should be named the 'JL'...
Generally, the pro wrestling finish makes sense. That's why it's the finish; it's a death blow that seeks to pop a crowd and convincingly put an end to a match that has to be delivered in character to make it memorable.
The Tazmission is a great example of the finisher's multifarious remit. As inspired as it was logical - Taz used the Katahajime judo chokehold to further establish his shooter credentials - the reaction to the finish was as important as the finish itself. The wrestler had to tap, UFC-style, to signal their submission. This legitimised Taz and revolutionised the very drama of professional wrestling. Every time you see a hand hover over the mat, with a crowd desperate to see that wrestler tap or crawl to the ropes, you have Taz to thank for this new layer of emotional investment.
The One-Winged Angel is as elegant in its vision as it is violent in execution. A literal extension of his video game-inspired aesthetic and ring style - it's a one-handed eclectic chair driver named after an RPG villain with one wing - the origin behind it, while again inspired, makes perfect sense.
What doesn't quite make sense, on the surface at least, is Randy Orton borrowing a finish from a middle-aged guy who was made fun of on WWE TV for having a funny voice...
10. Who Invented Randy Orton's RKO?
Hi.
He's John Laurinaitis, and you may remember him from such films as 'Completely Destroyed The Developmental System' and 'Literally Dumb Enough To Confuse The Two One-Legged Wrestlers Working In North America'.
Modern/younger WWE fans will definitely remember 'Big Johnny' as the latest in a long line of heel authority figures, in which his hapless decision-making and generally daft quality was canonised in a strange meta rib. It was a self-own - the bit was that he was he inept, and yet it was very true - but not not entertaining, insofar as tired WWE tropes go.
As Johnny Ace, the man was actually a damn good worker who starred beneath the legendary Four Pillars of All Japan Pro Wrestling's seminal King's Road era. He was a pioneer, too. He invented the cutter. His Ace Crusher was a variation on the bulldog set up from a facelock position. Refined and tweaked by the likes of Diamond Dallas Page, Steve Austin and Randy Orton, it was the ideal puro finisher to adapt to the more safety-conscious realms of American television.
This as with much of American wrestling was incredibly hypocritical - unprotected chair shots to the head were more dangerous than dangerous-looking moves executed with masterful precision - but you get the idea.